pMAX CONTROL FOR 5G MULTICARRIER, MULTIBAND SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are provided for controlling a maximum transmit power of a high power user equipment (HPUE) using dedicated signaling. The methods and systems receive signal data corresponding to signals from a carrier cell. Based on the signal data, the methods and systems determine whether an interference level of the carrier cell is above a threshold value. Upon determining that the interference level of the carrier cell is above the threshold value, the methods and systems communicate an indication to the HPUE to transmit at a first power level. Upon determining that the interference level of the carrier cell is below the threshold value, the methods and systems communicate an indication to the HPUE to transmit at a second power level. The first power level is lower than the second power level.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/365,337, filed on Jul. 1, 2021, titled “pMAX CONTROL FOR 5GMULTICARRIER, MULTIBAND SYSTEM”; which is hereby incorporated byreference.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to methods, systems, andcomputer-readable media for controlling a maximum transmit power of ahigh power user equipment (HPUE) using dedicated signaling. For example,signal data corresponding to signals from a carrier cell is received.Based on the signal data, the methods, systems, and computer-readablemedia determine whether an interference level of the carrier cell isabove a threshold value.

In aspects, upon determining that the interference level of the carriercell is above the threshold value, the methods, systems, andcomputer-readable media communicate an indication to the HPUE totransmit at a first power level. Additionally, upon determining that theinterference level of the carrier cell is below the threshold value, themethods, systems, and computer-readable media communicate an indicationto the HPUE to transmit at a second power level. The first power levelis lower than the second power level.

In some aspects, the methods, systems, and computer-readable mediainstruct the HPUE to reduce a transmitting power level upon determiningthat the interference level of the carrier cell is above the thresholdvalue. Further, the methods, systems, and computer-readable mediainstruct the HPUE to increase or maintain the transmitting power levelupon determining that the interference level of the carrier cell isbelow the threshold value. In aspects, the interference level is abovethe threshold value due to interference from an HPUE serviced by anearby base station.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used in isolation as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present disclosure are described in detail belowwith reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an example network environment suitable for use inimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts an example network environment comprising two basestations, the network environment suitable for use in implementations ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts an example flowchart suitable for use in implementationsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an example flowchart suitable for use in implementationsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts an example flowchart suitable for use in implementationsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts an example communications diagram, in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 depicts a diagram of an exemplary computing environment suitablefor use in implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent.Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject mattermight be embodied in other ways, to include different steps orcombinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, inconjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover,although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connotedifferent elements of methods employed, the terms should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order among or between varioussteps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individualsteps is explicitly described.

Throughout this disclosure, several acronyms and shorthand notations areemployed to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to theassociated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notationsare intended to help provide an easy methodology of communicating theideas expressed herein and are not meant to limit the scope ofembodiments described in the present disclosure. The following is a listof these acronyms:

-   -   4G Fourth-Generation Cellular Communication System    -   5G Fifth-Generation Cellular Communication System    -   3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project    -   CA Carrier Aggregation    -   CD-ROM Compact Disk Read Only Memory    -   CDMA Code Division Multiple Access    -   eNB Evolved Node B    -   gNB Next Generation Node B    -   GPRS General Packet Radio Service    -   GSM Global System for Mobile communications    -   DVD Digital Versatile Discs    -   EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory    -   E-UTRA Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access    -   FDD Frequency Division Duplexing    -   HPUE High-Power User Equipment    -   LTE Long Term Evolution    -   MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output    -   NR New Radio    -   OFDM Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing    -   PC Personal Computer    -   PDA Personal Digital Assistant    -   P_(max) Maximum Allowable Transmit Power    -   RAM Random Access Memory    -   RF Radio-Frequency    -   ROM Read Only Memory    -   RSRP Reference Transmission Receive Power    -   RSRQ Reference Transmission Receive Quality    -   RSSI Received Transmission Strength Indicator    -   Rx Receive    -   SINR Transmission-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio    -   TDD Time Division Duplexing    -   TDMA Time Division Multiple Access    -   Tx Transmit    -   UE User Equipment    -   UTRA Universal Terrestrial Radio Access    -   WiMAX Wireless Inter-operability for Microwave Access

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description.An illustrative resource that fleshes out various aspects of these termscan be found in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, 31st Edition (2018).

Embodiments of the technology described herein may be embodied as, amongother things, a method, system, or computer-program product.Accordingly, the embodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment,or an embodiment combining software and hardware. An embodiment takesthe form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useableinstructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media.

Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and nonremovable media, and contemplate media readable by adatabase, a switch, and various other network devices. Network switches,routers, and related components are conventional in nature, as are meansof communicating with the same. By way of example, and not limitation,computer-readable media comprise computer-storage media andcommunications media.

Computer-storage media, or machine-readable media, include mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storing information.Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions,data structures, program modules, and other data representations.Computer-storage media include, but are not limited to RAM, ROM, EEPROM,flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs(DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magneticstorage devices. These memory components can store data momentarily,temporarily, or permanently.

Communications media typically store computer-useableinstructions—including data structures and program modules—in amodulated data signal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to apropagated signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged to encode information in the signal. Communications mediainclude any information-delivery media. By way of example but notlimitation, communications media include wired media, such as a wirednetwork or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,infrared, radio, microwave, spread-spectrum, and other wireless mediatechnologies. Combinations of the above are included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

By way of background, conventional telecommunications networks (e.g., 4Gand 5G networks) communicate with UEs and HPUEs (high-powered userequipment/wireless devices). HPUEs (e.g., band 14 for 700 MHz bandwidthand band 41) that have a maximum transmit power of 31 dBm are permittedto use the maximum transmit power without consideration of interferencefactors. As a result, these HPUEs experience higher interference impactsfrom nearby base stations and/or access points. Additionally, HPUEs aresometimes restricted from using the maximum transmit power withoutconsideration of interference factors. As a result, these HPUEs operateless efficiently. For example, the HPUEs that are unjustifiablyrestricted from using the maximum transmit power have decreased datacoverage when inside a large concrete building or when located near acell edge.

To enhance HPUE capabilities, the technology disclosed herein properlyallocates HPUE resources for enhancing efficient use of HPUE transmitpower. For example, embodiments herein determine appropriate conditionsfor using the maximum transmit power to avoid interferences (e.g.,uplink interference to neighboring carrier cells when operating at themaximum transmit power). Additionally, embodiments herein calculateoptimal transmit power levels to prevent uplink interference toneighboring carrier cells and other interferences. Further, to enhanceefficient use of HPUE capabilities, embodiments herein can alter thetransmit power level based on an event, such as the initiation of anuplink 2L MIMO transmission or initiation of an uplink CA transmission.

In addition, the systems and methods disclosed herein alleviate one ormore of the problems discussed above. For example, in aspects, thesystems and methods disclosed herein control a maximum transmit power ofan HPUE using dedicated signaling. Signal data corresponding to signalsfrom a carrier cell are received. Based on receiving the signal data, itis determined whether an interference level of the carrier cell is abovea threshold value. Upon determining that the interference level of thecarrier cell is above the threshold value, an indication is communicatedto the HPUE to transmit at a first power level. Upon determining thatthe interference level of the carrier cell is below the threshold value,an indication is communicated to the HPUE to transmit at a second powerlevel. The first power level is lower than the second power level.

Further, a particular power level for the HPUE may be determined basedon a maximum allowable path loss of the carrier cell and a powerlimitation of the HPUE. Furthermore, the indication to transmit at thefirst power level or the second power level may include transmittingdedicated radio resource control signaling that comprises a message withthe particular power level to the HPUE. Accordingly, these actionsenhance efficient use of the HPUE capabilities by preventinginterferences to other carrier cells and by maximizing use of themaximum transmit power of the HPUE.

In some aspects, the methods disclosed herein include a system forcontrolling a maximum transmit power of an HPUE using dedicatedsignaling. The system includes a base station having one or more nodes,each of the one or more nodes configured to wirelessly communicate withthe HPUE in a serviceable area. The system additionally includes one ormore processors in communication with the base station and configured toperform operations. For example, the operations include receiving signaldata from the HPUE, the signal data corresponding to signals from acarrier cell. Based on the signal data, the system determines whether aninterference level of the carrier cell is above a threshold value. Upondetermining that the interference level of the carrier cell is above thethreshold value, the HPUE is instructed to reduce a transmitting powerlevel. In embodiments wherein the interference level of the carrier cellis below the threshold value, the system transmits dedicated radioresource control signaling to the HPUE that instructs the HPUE toincrease the transmitting power level.

In yet another aspect, one or more non-transitory computer-readablemedia having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that,when executed, perform a method for controlling a maximum transmit powerof a high power user equipment (HPUE) using dedicated signaling. Themethod includes receiving signal data corresponding to signals from acarrier cell. Based on the signal data, the method includes determiningwhether an interference level of the carrier cell is below a thresholdvalue. Upon determining that the interference level of the carrier cellis below the threshold value, the method includes instructing the HPUEto increase or maintain a transmitting power level.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , example network environment 100 comprises is anexemplary network environment in which implementations of the presentdisclosure may be employed. Network environment 100 is one example of asuitable network environment and is not intended to suggest anylimitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the presentdisclosure. Neither should the network environment be interpreted ashaving any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combinationof components illustrated.

Network environment 100 comprises UE 102, HPUE 104, cell site 114, UEuplink transmission power 120, HPUE uplink transmission power 122, andcell coverage extension 124. Beginning with the term “UE,” “UE” and“user device” are used interchangeably throughout this disclosure torefer to a device employed by an end-user that communicates using anetwork. As used herein, UE can include any device employed by anend-user to communicate with a wireless telecommunications network. Forexample, a UE can include a mobile device, a mobile broadband adapter,or any other communications device employed to communicate with thewireless telecommunications network. A UE, as one of ordinary skill inthe art may appreciate, generally includes one or more antennas coupledto a radio for exchanging (e.g., transmitting and receiving)transmissions with a nearby base station. A UE may be, in an embodiment,similar to device 700 described herein with respect to FIG. 7 .

The UE may include a transceiver, which has a circuitry useful in bothwirelessly receiving and/or wirelessly transmitting signals. As such,the UE comprises an Rx channel for receiving the signals. In someembodiments, Rx Channel may be combined with a Tx Channel into a singleunit. For example, the transceiver may transmit and receive orthogonalfrequency division multiplexing signals (e.g., data symbols) to supportdata communication in wireless applications. Examples of the wirelessapplications include Personal Area Network networks (e.g., Bluetooth),Wireless Local Area Networks (e.g., 802.11x Wi-Fi), Wide Area Networks(e.g., 3G, 4G, and LTE and LTE-LAA cellular networks), WiMAX, and soforth. The transceiver may also include mode selection circuitry, whichenables dynamic selections of various modes of operation. For example, aprocessor may have the transceiver operate in TDD mode or FDD mode.

Furthermore, UE 102 may comprise any mobile computing device thatcommunicates by way of a wireless network (e.g., 4G, 5G, LTE, or anyother type of OFDM based network). In embodiments, UE 102 may be capableof using 5G and having backward compatibility with prior accesstechnologies. In some embodiments, UE 102 may be capable of using 5G butlacks backward compatibility with prior access technologies. In someembodiments, UE 102 is a legacy UE not capable of using 5G.

Turning to HPUE 104, HPUE 104 is a particular class of UE suitable foruse in a cellular network (e.g., LTE) and capable of increasing devicetransmission power. HPUE operates in band 14, band 41, or any othersuitable band for increased transmission power. HPUE increasedtransmission power increases range, coverage, uplink speeds, andconnectivity. For example, in some embodiments, UE uplink transmissionpower 120 is 23 dBm, HPUE uplink transmission power 122 is 29 dBm, andthe cell coverage extension 124 is 6 dBm. In some embodiments, HPUE 104is a separate modem operable with a router, a gateway, and otherwireless access devices. In some embodiments, HPUE 104 is moduleincorporated with a router, a gateway, or another wireless accessdevice.

Turning to cell site 114, the terms “cell site” and “base station” maybe used interchangeably herein to refer to a defined wirelesscommunications serviceable area that is serviced by a base station. Cellsite 114 may provide wireless communication services to UE 102 and HPUE104. In particular, cell site 114 may be configured to wirelesslycommunicate with UE 102 and HPUE 104, which are located within aserviceable area defined by a transmission range and/or receiving rangeof the radio antennas of the cell site 114.

Cell site 114 may include one or more carriers, band pass filters,radios, antennas, antenna arrays, power amplifiers,transmitters/receivers, digital signal processors, control electronics,GPS equipment, and the like. As discussed herein, cell site 114 isdeployed in a network to control and facilitate, via one or more antennaarrays, the broadcast, transmission, synchronization, and receipt of oneor more wireless signals in order to communicate with, verify,authenticate, and provide wireless communications service coverage toone or more UEs and/or HPUEs that request to join and/or are connectedto the network.

In some aspects, cell site 114 may comprise one or more macro cells(providing wireless coverage for users within a large serviceable area).For example, macro cells may correspond to a coverage area having aradius of approximately 1-15 miles or more, the radius measured atground level and extending outward from an antenna at the cell site. Insome aspects, cell site 114 may comprise, or be in communication with,one or more small cells (providing wireless coverage for users within asmall geographic area). For example, a small cell may correspond to acoverage area having a radius of approximately less than three miles,the radius measured at ground level and extending outward from anantenna at the cell site. In embodiments, cell site 114 is incommunication with a plurality of in-door small cells. In someembodiments, the network environment includes a heterogeneous networkhaving both the one or more small cells and the one or more macro cells.

Furthermore, the one or more small cells may support mmWaves via mmWavenodes corresponding to an antenna. Additionally, the one or more smallcells may combine a plurality of 100 MHz channels. Continuing theexample, the one or more small cells may also combine radio and antennaelements. Further, the one or more small cells may each have an Ethernetcable backhaul. Additionally, the one or more small cells may have thecapability of transferring data to multiple user devices during a singlepoint in time via a plurality of antennas (e.g. via a multi-user MIMOantenna system).

In some embodiments, cell site 114 comprises at least a first antennaarray having one or more antenna elements. In aspects, the one or moreantenna elements may be dipole antennas having a length, for example, of¼, ½, 1, or 1½ wavelength. In aspects, the first antenna array may be anactive antenna array, FD-MIMO, massive MIMO, 3G, 4G, 5G, and/or 802.11.While we refer to dipole antennas herein, in other aspects, the antennamay be monopole, loop, parabolic, traveling-wave, aperture, yagi-uda,conical spiral, helical, conical, radomes, horn, and/or apertures, orany combination thereof. It is noted that adjusting one or moreindividual power supplies to antennas of an antenna array may be broadlyapplicable to an antenna array comprising any type of antenna targetingany portion of the RF spectrum (though any lower than VHF may be sizeprohibitive). In one aspect, the antenna may be configured tocommunicate in the UHF and/or SHF spectrum, for example, in the range of1.3 GHz 30 GHz.

By way of a non-limiting example, the first antenna array may comprise64 antenna elements arranged in an 8×8 structure. In other aspects, thefirst antenna array may comprise antenna elements arranged in an 8×4,4×8, or 4×4 configuration. Each antenna element of the first antennaarray may have a dedicated power supply that supplies power having acertain phase and amplitude to a respective antenna element. In anaspect, the power supply comprises a power amplifier. In variousaspects, the power supply may additionally comprise a processor forcontrolling or adjusting the power supply to the respective antennaelement. In some aspects, each power supply may have a maximum power tosupply to its respective antenna element. In aspects, the maximumper-antenna supply power may be 2.5 W, 3.5 W, 4 W, 5 W, or more.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , example network environment 200 comprises UE102, HPUE 104, cell site 114, UE uplink transmission power 120, HPUEuplink transmission power 122, cell coverage extension 124, neighboringcell site 214, UE signals 220 that may be received by the neighboringcell site 214, HPUE signals 222 that may be received by the neighboringcell site 214, and interference 224. In some embodiments, UE 102 is notwithin a predetermined range of a cell edge corresponding to cell site114. In some embodiments, HPUE 104 is within the predetermined range ofthe cell edge. In some embodiments, HPUE 104 is within an overlappingcell edge of both cell site 114 and neighboring cell site 214. In someembodiments, HPUE 104 is using Amax. In some embodiments, HPUE isoperating with a predetermined range of p_(max) and above 23 dBm.

In example network environment 200, UE 102 is serviced by cell site 114and HPUE 104 is serviced by cell site 114. In aspects, cell site 114receives signal data corresponding to interference 224 from a carriercell corresponding to neighboring cell site 214. Continuing the example,cell site 114 determines that an interference level from interference224 is above a threshold value based on the signal data, theinterference level associated with neighboring cell site 214. In otheraspects, neighboring cell site 214 receives the signal datacorresponding to interference 224, determines the interference levelfrom interference 224 is above the threshold value based on the signaldata, and transmits this information to cell site 114. In someembodiments, neighboring cell site 214 receives the signal data and cellsite 114 determines the interference level is above the threshold value.

Upon determining that the interference level of the carrier cellcorresponding to neighboring cell site 214 is above the threshold value,cell site 114 communicates an indication to the HPUE 104 to transmit ata first power level. Upon determining that the interference level of thecarrier cell is below the threshold value, cell site 114 communicates anindication to the HPUE 104 to transmit at a second power level, whereinthe first power level is lower than the second power level. In someembodiments, for example, UE uplink transmission power 120 is 23 dBm,HPUE uplink transmission power 122 is 29 dBm, and the cell coverageextension 124 is 6 dBm, which causes a 12 dB interference 224. Theneighboring cell site 214 thus experiences 12 dB interference 224 causedby HPUE 104. In some embodiments, the HPUE 104 is operating at p_(max).In other embodiments, the HPUE 104 is operating below p_(max) and above23 dBm.

In embodiments, the cell site 114 and the neighboring cell site 214 maybe in communication with each other (e.g., via a network) and with othercell sites (not depicted), any of which may be located in urban or ruralserviceable areas. Further, cell site 114 and neighboring cell site 214may be in communication via a backhaul (not depicted). The backhaul maybe wired or wireless and may comprise dark fiber for 5G communicationservices. In some embodiments, the cell site 114 and the neighboringcell site 214 have the same carrier. In some embodiments, the network inbe a telecommunications network(s), or a portion thereof. The networkmay comprise a 4G, 5G, or other next generation network. For example,the network may comprise a 3GPP for 5G NR, a 5G NR non-standaloneoperating in 28 GHz, or a 5G NR standalone with microservices andservice-based interfaces for end-to-end support. In some embodiments,the network may comprise a cloud-radio access network located in orassociated with a cloud-computing environment having various cloudnetwork components.

A telecommunications network might include an array of devices orcomponents (e.g., one or more cell sites), some of which are not shown.Those devices or components may form network environments similar towhat is shown in FIG. 2 , and may also perform methods in accordancewith the present disclosure. Components such as terminals, links, andnodes (as well as other components) may provide connectivity in variousimplementations. Example network environment 200 may include multiplenetworks, as well as being a network of networks, but is shown in moresimple form to not obscure other aspects of the present disclosure. Datawithin example network environment 200 may be stored in one or moredatabases and/or storage entities.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , example flowchart 300 begins with receivingsignal data at step 302. The signal data may be received by a first basestation servicing an HPUE that is operating at p_(max). In someembodiments, the signal data is received by a second base station thatis not in communication with the HPUE. Continuing the example, thesignal data includes information from UEs serviced by the second basestation comprising one or more of a lower SINR, degradation of networkperformance and UE experience, and diminished efficiency of use ofnetwork resources by the UEs serviced by the second base station.

In some embodiments, the first base station receives the signal datafrom a network or a backhaul that is in communication with the secondbase station that is experiencing interference from the HPUE serviced bythe first base station. In some embodiments, the second base stationincludes a neighboring small cell or another neighboring access pointthat is experiencing interference from the HPUE serviced by the firstbase station. In aspects, the signal data may correspond to signals froma carrier cell corresponding to the neighboring small cell, neighboringaccess point, or neighboring base station. In some embodiments, thecarrier cell having interference signal data is also a carrier cell ofthe first base station. In some embodiments, the carrier cell is asingle carrier cell system. In other embodiments, the carrier cell is anaggregated carrier cell.

Additionally, the signal data received by the first base station mayinclude an uplink receiver sensitivity level and a maximum transmitpower of the HPUE. The uplink receiver sensitivity level may comprise areceived signal strength indicator calculated based on a single layertransmission. In embodiments, a first set of the signal data from afirst HPUE is received, a second set of the signal data from a secondHPUE is received, and a third set of signal data corresponding to theneighboring base station is received by the first base station (or adevice in communication with the first base station). For example, thethird set of signal data includes interference data that the neighboringbase station is experiencing. For example, signal data may include RSRQof the carrier cell and a corresponding period of measurement. In someembodiments, the first base station and the neighboring base stationreceive additional signal data after a predetermined period of time.Continuing the example, the additional signal data may be receivedperiodically.

Further, at step 304, a processor, associated with or in communicationwith the first base station and/or the second base station, determinesan interference level of the carrier cell based on the signal datareceived. In some embodiments, the processor corresponds to the firstbase station. In other embodiments, the processor corresponds to theneighboring base station (or other access point). In one aspect, theinterference level is determined based on a measured SINR for thecarrier cell. In some aspects, the interference level is determinedusing a signal strength detected by a UE or a plurality of UEs servicedby the carrier cell. In some aspects, the interference level isdetermined by negating intra-cell interference to account only or mostlyfor interference by the HPUE serviced by a neighboring carrier cell. Insome embodiments, the interference level is determined based on an RSSImeasured by a UE, and HPUE, and/or a plurality of UEs serviced by thecarrier cell.

Further, at step 306, the processor determines whether the interferencelevel of the carrier cell is above a threshold value. In one aspect, thethreshold value is determined based on a closed-loop SINR target. Insome embodiments, the threshold value is based on a loading balance,RSSI, and/or detected noise. For example, the RSSI may be calculatedbased on a single layer transmission. In aspects, the RSSI may bedetermined based on a probe request. further, the threshold value may beadjusted based on a change in load balance and/or a change in thedetected noise. Determining whether the interference level of thecarrier cell is above the threshold value may include consideration ofthe RSRQ of the carrier cell and a corresponding period of themeasurement of the RSRQ.

If the interference level is above the threshold value, then at step308, an indication is communicated to the HPUE to transmit at a firstpower level or to reduce a transmitting power level. For example, a basestation servicing or communicating with the HPUE may transmit dedicatedradio resource control signaling that comprises a message for the HPUEto operate at a particular power level. The particular power level maybe based on a maximum allowable path loss of the carrier cell. Themaximum allowable path loss may be determined based on a p max of theHPUE and an uplink receiver sensitivity level. The uplink receiversensitivity level may comprise a received signal strength indicatorcalculated based on a single layer transmission. The particular powerlevel may also be based on a power limitation of the HPUE.

In some embodiments, the HPUE will begin transmission at the particularpower level indicated in the message upon receipt of the dedicated radioresource control signaling. In some embodiments, the HPUE will begintransmission at the particular power level upon initiation of an uplink2L MIMO transmission. In some embodiments, a grant is furthertransmitted to the HPUE for uplink 2L/4L MIMO transmission or uplinkcarrier aggregation. Additionally, the indication may be transmitted tothe HPUE upon receipt of the grant.

If the interference level is below the threshold value, then at step310, an indication is communicated to the HPUE to transmit at a secondpower level that is a higher power level than the first power level. Insome embodiments, at step 310, the HPUE is instructed to increase thetransmitting power level. In some embodiments, at step 310, the HPUE isinstructed to maintain the transmitting power level. In someembodiments, at step 310, the HPUE is instructed to transmit at p_(max).In some embodiments, at step 310, the HPUE is instructed to transmitwithin a range below p_(max). In some embodiments, the base stationtransmits the dedicated radio resource control signaling to the HPUE.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , flowchart 400 begins with updating a carriercell uplink maximum allowable path-loss (MAPL) at step 402. For example,a p_(max) and a receiver sensitivity level of the uplink are used todetermine the MAPL. The receiver sensitivity level corresponds to anRSSI measurement minus one or more measurements of an interfering noiselevel. The RSSI measurement may be calculated based on a single layertransmission. Additionally, at step 404, a timer is used to continuallycheck the MAPL. If the timer has expired, the MAPL is updated. If thetimer has not expired at step 404, the system at 406 determines whetherthe measured MAPL is better than a target MAPL. If the measured MAPL isbetter than the target, then the system returns to step 402. If themeasured MAPL is not better than the target, then the system sendsdedicated radio resource control signaling to the device(s) subject tochange at step 408. Stated differently, the system transmits thededicated radio resource control signaling to the device(s) that need toreduce or increase their respective transmitting power level.

For example, a device that is granted uplink 2L/4L MIMO transmission mayneed to transmit at twice the power level for uplink 2L MIMO to maintainthe same receiver sensitivity level. As such, both the cell and thedevice benefit by increasing the transmitting power level of the deviceto p_(max) when the device begins the uplink MIMO transmission. Forexample, by increasing to p_(max) when the device begins the uplink MIMOtransmission, the device has better coverage, speed, and better rangeand the cell does not experience interference due to the highertransmitting power. Similarly, when a device is granted uplink carrieraggregation transmission (e.g., 2CA/3CA), the device may increasetransmitting power to p_(max) when the device begins the uplink carrieraggregation transmission.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , flowchart 500 begins with a carrier cellgranting an uplink to a user device at step 502. In some embodiments,the carrier cell grants an uplink 2L/4L MIMO. In some embodiments, thecarrier cell grants an uplink carrier aggregation. Additionally, at step504, a timer is set. If the timer has expired at step 504, the systemchecks for additional carrier cell grants at step 502. If the timer hasnot expired at step 504, the system sends a dedicated radio resourcecontrol signal to the device(s) that need to reduce or increase theirrespective transmitting power level at step 506. Thereafter, the systemmay return to step 502.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , example communications diagram 600 includes HPUE104, cell site 114, a first dedicated radio resource control signal 610,a first acknowledgement 612, a second dedicated radio resource controlsignal 614, a second acknowledgement 616. In some embodiments, the firstdedicated radio resource control signal 610 includes a first messagehaving a first transmitting power level. In some embodiments, the seconddedicated radio resource control signal 614 includes a second messagehaving a second transmitting power level that is a higher power levelthan the first transmitting power level. In embodiments, the firsttransmitting power level and the second transmitting power level arebased on a maximum allowable path loss of the carrier cell correspondingwith the HPUE and a power limitation of the HPUE.

Turning now to FIG. 7 , a diagram is depicted of an exemplary computingenvironment suitable for use in implementations of the presentdisclosure. In particular, the exemplary computer environment is shownand designated generally as UE/user device 700. User device 700 is butone example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theinvention. Neither should user device 700 be interpreted as having anydependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated.

The implementations of the present disclosure may be described in thegeneral context of computer code or machine-useable instructions,including computer-executable instructions such as program components,being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal dataassistant or other handheld device. Generally, program components,including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, andthe like, refer to code that performs particular tasks or implementsparticular abstract data types. Implementations of the presentdisclosure may be practiced in a variety of system configurations,including handheld devices, consumer electronics, general-purposecomputers, specialty computing devices, etc. Implementations of thepresent disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices thatare linked through a communications network.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , user device 700 includes bus 702that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory 704,one or more processors 706, one or more presentation components 708,input/output (I/O) port(s) 710, I/O component(s) 712, power supply 714,and radio(s) 716. Bus 702 represents what may be one or more busses(such as an address bus, data bus, or combination thereof). Although thedevices of FIG. 7 are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, inreality, delineating various components is not so clear, andmetaphorically, the lines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. Forexample, one may consider a presentation component such as a displaydevice to be one of I/O component(s) 712. Also, processors, such as oneor more processors 706, have memory. The present disclosure hereofrecognizes that such is the nature of the art, and reiterates that FIG.7 is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing environment that canbe used in connection with one or more implementations of the presentdisclosure. Distinction is not made between such categories as“workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “handheld device,” etc., as all arecontemplated within the scope of FIG. 7 and refer to “user device.”

User device 700 typically includes a variety of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby user device 700. By way of example, and not limitation,computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media andcommunication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any methodor technology for storage of information such as computer-readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Further,computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices. Computer storage media doesnot comprise a propagated data signal.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any ofthe above should also be included within the scope of computer-readablemedia.

Turning to memory 704, memory 704 includes computer-storage media in theform of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. Memory 704 may be removable,nonremovable, or a combination thereof. Examples of memory 704 includesolid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. For instance,memory 704 may include RAM, ROM, Dynamic RAM, a Synchronous Dynamic RAM,a flash memory, a cache memory, a buffer, a short-term memory unit, along-term memory unit, or other suitable memory units. Removable memorymay include, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, aCompact Disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or other suitableremovable units.

Turning to the one or more processors 706, the one or more processors706 read data from various entities such as bus 702, memory 704 or I/Ocomponent(s) 712. The one or more processors 706 include, for example, aCentral Processing Unit, a Digital Signal Processor, one or moreprocessor cores, a single-core processor, a dual-core processor, amultiple-core processor, a microprocessor, a host processor, acontroller, a plurality of processors or controllers, a chip, amicrochip, one or more circuits, circuitry, a logic unit, an IC, anASIC, or any other suitable multi-purpose or specific processor orcontroller. Further, the one or more processors 706 executeinstructions, for example, of an Operating System of the user device 700and/or of one or more suitable applications.

Further, the one or more presentation components 708 present dataindications to a person or other device. Examples of one or morepresentation components 708 include a display device, speaker, printingcomponent, vibrating component, etc. Additionally, I/O port(s) 710 allowuser device 700 to be logically coupled to other devices including I/Ocomponent(s) 712, some of which may be built in user device 700.Illustrative I/O component(s) 712 include a microphone, joystick, gamepad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc.Furthermore, power supply 714 may include any suitable source of power,such as a rechargeable lithium polymer battery and/or an alternatingcurrent power converter.

Turning to radio 716, the radio 716 facilitates communication with awireless telecommunications network. For example, radio 716 mayfacilitate communication via wireless communication signals, RF signals,frames, blocks, transmission streams, packets, messages, data items,and/or data. The terms “radio,” “controller,” “antenna,” and “antennaarray” are used interchangeably to refer to one or more software andhardware components that facilitate sending and receiving wirelessradio-frequency signals, for example, based on instructions from a cellsite. Radio 716 may be used to initiate and generate information that isthen sent out through the antenna array, for example, where the radioand antenna array may be connected by one or more physical paths.Generally, an antenna array comprises a plurality of individual antennaelements. The antennas discussed herein may be dipole antennas, having alength, for example, of ¼, ½, 1, or 1½ wavelength. The antennas may bemonopole, loop, parabolic, traveling-wave, aperture, yagi-uda, conicalspiral, helical, conical, radomes, horn, and/or apertures, or anycombination thereof. The antennas may be capable of sending andreceiving transmission via mmWaves, FD-MIMO, massive MIMO, 3G, 4G, 5G,and/or 802.11 protocols and techniques, etc.

Illustrative wireless telecommunications technologies that radio 716 mayfacilitate include CDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, and the like. Radio 716 mightadditionally or alternatively facilitate other types of wirelesscommunications including Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, or other VoIPcommunications. As can be appreciated, in various embodiments, radio 716can be configured to support multiple technologies and/or multipleradios can be utilized to support multiple technologies.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a maximum transmitpower of a high power user equipment (HPUE) using dedicated signaling,the method comprising: receiving an uplink Multiple Input MultipleOutput (MIMO) transmission from the HPUE at a first uplink transmissionpower level; based on receiving the uplink MIMO transmission from theHPUE, determining a maximum uplink transmission power level for the HPUEbased on the HPUE utilizing a MIMO layer in the uplink MIMOtransmission; and upon determining the maximum uplink transmission powerlevel for the HPUE based on the HPUE utilizing the MIMO layer in theuplink MIMO transmission, communicating the maximum uplink transmissionpower level to the HPUE.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdetermining the maximum uplink transmission power level for the HPUEbased on a maximum allowable path loss between the HPUE and a basestation receiving the uplink MIMO transmission.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein the maximum uplink transmission power level is communicatedto the HPUE via dedicated radio resource control signaling thatcomprises a message with the maximum uplink transmission power level. 4.The method of claim 2, wherein the maximum allowable path loss isdetermined based on an uplink receiver sensitivity level correspondingto the base station receiving the uplink MIMO transmission from theHPUE.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, from theHPUE, a power limitation of the HPUE; and determining the maximum uplinktransmission power level for the HPUE based on the power limitation ofthe HPUE.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising initiating anuplink 2L MIMO transmission prior to receiving the uplink MIMOtransmission from the HPUE, wherein the MIMO layer in the uplink MIMOtransmission is a 2L MIMO layer, and wherein the uplink MIMOtransmission is received from the HPUE upon initiation of the uplink 2LMIMO transmission.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the MIMO layer inthe uplink MIMO transmission is a single layer transmission.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: determining that the first uplinktransmission power level is at the maximum uplink transmission powerlevel for the HPUE; and based on determining that the first uplinktransmission power level is at the maximum uplink transmission powerlevel for the HPUE, communicating a message to the HPUE, via dedicatedradio resource control signaling, to maintain the first uplinktransmission power level.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprisinginitiating an uplink 4L MIMO transmission prior to receiving the uplinkMIMO transmission from the HPUE, wherein the MIMO layer in the uplinkMIMO transmission is a 4L MIMO layer.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe uplink MIMO transmission is received from the HPUE upon initiationof the uplink 4L MIMO transmission.
 11. A system for controlling amaximum transmit power of a high power user equipment (HPUE) usingdedicated signaling, the system comprising: a base station having one ormore nodes, each of the one or more nodes configured to wirelesslycommunicate with the HPUE in a serviceable area; and one or moreprocessors in communication with the base station and configured toperform operations comprising: receiving an uplink transmission from theHPUE at a first uplink transmission power level; based on receiving theuplink transmission from the HPUE, determining a maximum uplinktransmission power level for the HPUE based on the HPUE using carrieraggregation in the uplink transmission; and upon determining the maximumuplink transmission power level for the HPUE based on the HPUE usingcarrier aggregation in the uplink transmission, communicating themaximum uplink transmission power level to the HPUE.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, the operations further comprising determining the maximumuplink transmission power level for the HPUE based on a maximumallowable path loss of a corresponding carrier cell associated with thecarrier aggregation.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the maximumuplink transmission power level is communicated to the HPUE viadedicated radio resource control signaling that comprises a message withthe maximum uplink transmission power level.
 14. The system of claim 12,wherein the maximum allowable path loss is determined based on an uplinkreceiver sensitivity level corresponding to the one or more nodes. 15.The system of claim 11, the operations further comprising communicatinga grant for uplink carrier aggregation transmissions and receiving asecond uplink transmission from the HPUE at the maximum uplinktransmission power level based on communicating the grant and themaximum uplink transmission power level to the HPUE.
 16. One or morenon-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executableinstructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method forcontrolling a maximum transmit power of a high power user equipment(HPUE) using dedicated signaling, the method comprising: receiving anuplink transmission from the HPUE at a first uplink transmission powerlevel; based on receiving the uplink transmission from the HPUE,determining an interference level corresponding to a base stationreceiving the uplink transmission from the HPUE; based on determiningthe interference level, determining a maximum uplink transmission powerlevel for the HPUE; and upon determining the maximum uplink transmissionpower level for the HPUE, communicating the maximum uplink transmissionpower level to the HPUE.
 17. The one or more or more non-transitorycomputer-readable media of claim 16, the method further comprising:receiving a first set of signal data from the HPUE and a second set ofsignal data from a second HPUE from a network in communication withanother base station; and based on the first set of the signal data andthe second set of signal data, determining the interference level. 18.The one or more or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim16, the method further comprising: receiving signal data from the HPUEafter a predetermined period of time after receiving the uplinktransmission from the HPUE; and based on receiving the signal data,determining the interference level.
 19. The one or more or morenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 16, the method furthercomprising causing to instruct the HPUE to increase the first uplinktransmission power level upon determining that the interference level ofthe base station is below a threshold value.
 20. The one or more or morenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 16, further comprisingdetermining that the interference level is above a threshold value,wherein a nearby base station caused the interference level to be abovethe threshold value, and wherein the HPUE was operating at the maximumuplink transmission power level during the determination that theinterference level is above the threshold value.